Xinjiang silk seeks a broader fashion stage

Idili silk has been worn by people in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region for nearly 3,000 years. But for those outside of the region, the fabric was largely unknown until a recent fashion show in Beijing.

Xinjiang fashion designer Cheng Yingfen showed the 2015 spring/summer collection as part of the China Fashion Week in October. The collection presents evening dresses, gowns, blazers and pencil skirts, all highlighting the Idili silk.

The apparel can only be found in Hetian prefecture in Xinjiang. The threads are dyed with the juice of plants and flowers before being hand-woven into different patterns.